2019 is shaping up to be a strange year in Washington, and today’s episode is here to answer all your questions on the government shutdown. Our guest this week is FBI Agents Association President and FBI Special Agent Tom O’Connor, who weighs in on how this shutdown is impacting national security.

I spoke to Daniel Dale of The Toronto Star about the ongoing shutdown, the President’s prime time address, and the limited remaining options for resolving the impasse:

He did nottake the opportunity to declare a national emergency, as he has mused about doing. An emergency declaration could allow him to tap into potential funding sources for the wall without having to get the usual congressional authorization.

It would also be certain to be challenged in court, likely turning into a long legal battle without an immediate winner. But that, some observers said, may be the best possible outcome for Trump at this point.

“At the moment I think it’s less about getting the wall built and more about getting out of this jam without being seen as capitulating,” said Liam Donovan, a Republican strategist and a lobbyist.

I joined Dana Perino on The Daily Briefing to discuss the impact of Democratic newcomers like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on the Congressional agenda, including the “Green New Deal.”

AOC has a remarkable ability to drive media buzz and draw attention to her preferred policies–perhaps shifting the Overton window along the way. But it's worth remembering that the path to 218 runs through the 'burbs, not the Bronx. pic.twitter.com/5PwjsauS31

About Liam

Liam Donovan is frequent commentator and writer on national politics. In a previous life he spent four years working to elect a GOP majority to the United States Senate. He currently works in Washington, DC for a leading government relations and strategic communications firm.